Few experiences are more freeing than a road trip with your friends. The journey will take you to many beautiful and interesting destinations, and there could even be a spontaneous adventure or two along the way that you’re unlikely to forget.

Whether you want to embark on route 66 or drive your way across Europe, there are some issues you’ll want to avoid before taking to the open road. Check out the five steps to take before an unforgettable road trip.

Step One: Plan Your Journey

A lack of planning can lead to a disastrous experience that will make you want to turn back home. To ensure you arrive on schedule and are safe along the journey, you must carefully plan your road trip.

While you should leave room for a little spontaneity in your itinerary, you must know where you are going and the time you intend to reach a destination. You also should book a hotel for each night, so you and your road trip buddies can catch up on some much-needed shut-eye.

Step Two: Visit a Mechanic

Next, you’ll need to ensure your car is in good working order before taking it on the road. Schedule a visit with a mechanic many weeks in advance, who can undertake any essential repairs before you travel.

It might also be beneficial to replace your tires to ensure they serve you well throughout the journey. Find out more about high-quality, affordable Tires West Palm Beach. Don’t forget to add a spare tire, flashlight and a jack into the trunk of your car, too, should you experience a flat.

Step Three: Pack Essentials

There are some items that will be a lifesaver during a long road trip. For example, if you are spending many an hour in a car, buy wrinkle-free clothing to prevent you from looking worn and disheveled once you arrive at a destination.

You also should keep all essential documents in a waterproof bag, such as your:

• Driver’s license
• Insurance policy
• Hotel confirmations

Don’t forget to pack a travel pillow and blanket, too, so you can enjoy a nap when travelling from one destination to another. Also, if you regularly take prescription medications each day, you should discuss an upcoming trip with your doctor prior to travel.

Step Four: Load the Car the Day Before Travel

There is always one friend who packs too much luggage. To ensure every suitcase can fit inside a vehicle, you should load the car the day before you travel. By doing so, you or a friend will have time to downsize their luggage, if necessary, to ensure you can fit everyone’s belongings into your car. So, it can prevent travel delays that could impact your schedule.

Step Five: Enjoy a Good Night’s Sleep

While a road trip can be both fun and exciting, it can also be tiring. To ensure you aren’t tempted to fall asleep at the wheel, you must enjoy a good night’s sleep the day before you travel – and you should aim to have an early night when you stay at a hotel along a route. It will ensure you wake up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to hit the open road.